Lectionary Calendar

Sunday, December 22nd, 2024
the Fourth Week of Advent

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Bible Commentaries

Notas Explicativas de WesleyNotas de Wesley

Antiguo Testamento

Génesis
The creation, humanity's fall, the flood, and God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Éxodo
Israel's escape from Egypt, receiving the Law, and covenant formation at Mount Sinai. Levítico
Laws on sacrifices, purity, and holiness, guiding Israel's worship and community life. Números
Israel's wilderness journey, census data, and preparations for entering the Promised Land. Deuteronomio
Moses' final speeches reiterating the Law and renewing Israel's covenant before entering Canaan. Josué
Israel's conquest, division of Canaan, and Joshua's leadership in settling the Promised Land. Jueces
Israel's cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance by judges, highlighting moral decline. Rut
A story of loyalty and redemption, leading to Ruth becoming an ancestor of King David. 1 Samuel
Samuel's leadership, Saul's reign, and David's rise as Israel's future king. 2 Samuel
Focuses on King David's reign, his successes, personal failings, and the establishment of a united Israel. 1 Reyes
Solomon's reign, the temple's construction, and the kingdom's division after his death. 2 Reyes
Chronicles the history of Israel and Judah, detailing the reigns of their kings and the fall of Jerusalem. 1 Crónicas
A retelling of Israel's history, focusing on David's reign and temple preparations. 2 Crónicas
The history of Judah's kings, emphasizing temple worship, leading to Babylonian exile. Esdras
The return from exile, rebuilding the temple, and reestablishing the Law in Jerusalem. Nehemías
Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and restore the community's faithfulness. Ester
A Jewish queen's courage saves her people from a plot of genocide in Persia. Job
A righteous man's suffering, his dialogues on justice, and God's ultimate sovereignty. Salmos
A collection of songs and prayers expressing worship, lament, thanksgiving, and praise to God. Proverbios
Wisdom sayings offering guidance on moral living, relationships, and the fear of God. Eclesiastés
Reflects on the meaning of life, exploring the futility of human endeavors and the pursuit of wisdom. Cantares
A poetic celebration of love, expressing deep romantic and spiritual devotion between lovers. Isaías
Prophecies of judgment and redemption, foretelling the Messiah's coming and Israel's restoration. Jeremías
Warnings of Jerusalem's destruction, calls for repentance, and promises of a new covenant. Lamentaciones
Poems mourning Jerusalem's destruction and expressing deep sorrow, yet hope in God's mercy. Ezequiel
Visions and prophecies of Jerusalem's fall, Israel's restoration, and a future temple. Daniel
Stories of faithfulness in exile and visions of future kingdoms and God's ultimate victory. Oseas
A prophet's marriage symbolizes God's steadfast love for unfaithful Israel, calling for repentance. Joel
Prophecies of a locust plague, judgment, and the outpouring of God's Spirit. Amós
A call for social justice, condemning Israel's complacency and predicting divine judgment. Abdías
Prophecy against Edom for its betrayal of Israel, foretelling its destruction. Jonás
A reluctant prophet's mission to Nineveh, highlighting God's mercy towards repentance. Miqueas
Warnings of judgment, calls for justice, and prophecies of a future ruler from Bethlehem. Nahúm
The impending fall of Nineveh as God's judgment against Assyrian cruelty. Habacuc
A prophet questions God's justice, leading to a vision of divine sovereignty and faith. Sofonías
Prophecies of judgment on Judah and surrounding nations, with promises of restoration. Ageo
Encouragement to rebuild the temple after the Babylonian exile, emphasizing God's presence. Zacarías
Visions and prophecies encouraging the returned exiles, foretelling the Messiah's coming. Malaquías
A call to covenant faithfulness, addressing Israel's spiritual apathy, and predicting Elijah's return.

Nuevo Testamento

San Mateo
Jesus' life, teachings, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies as the Messiah. San Marcos
A fast-paced account of Jesus' ministry, focusing on his actions and sacrificial death. San Lucas
Jesus' life, emphasizing compassion for the marginalized and the universal scope of salvation. San Juan
Theological reflections on Jesus as the Word of God, focusing on his divine nature and mission. Hechos
The early church's growth, the apostles' ministry, and the spread of the Gospel. Romanos
A theological treatise on salvation, grace, faith, and righteousness through Jesus Christ for all. 1 Corintios
Paul addresses divisions, immorality, and spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church. 2 Corintios
Paul's defense of his apostleship, his sufferings, and the power of God's grace. Gálatas
Paul's defense of the Gospel of grace against legalism, emphasizing faith in Christ alone. Efesios
Paul's teachings on the church's unity, spiritual blessings in Christ, and Christian conduct. Filipenses
A letter of joy and encouragement, urging humility and faithfulness amid persecution. Colosenses
Paul's emphasis on Christ's supremacy and warnings against false teachings. 1 Tesalonicenses
Encouragement to a young church, with teachings on holiness and Christ's return. 2 Tesalonicenses
Clarifications about Christ's return and exhortations to stand firm in faith. 1 Timoteo
Guidance for church leadership, sound teaching, moral conduct, and defending the truth of the gospel. 2 Timoteo
Paul's final exhortations to Timothy, emphasizing perseverance and faithfulness. Tito
Instructions for establishing order in the church, promoting sound doctrine, and living with integrity. Hebreos
An insightful look at Christ's supremacy, priesthood, and the fulfillment of prophecies. Santiago
Practical wisdom on living out one's faith through good works and righteous behavior. 1 Pedro
Encouragement for suffering Christians to remain faithful and hopeful in their trials. 2 Pedro
A reminder to grow in faith, resist false teachings, and remain steadfast awaiting His return. 1 Juan
Teachings on love, obedience, and assurance of salvation through fellowship with God. 2 Juan
A letter encouraging love, obedience to God's commands, caution against teachings that deny Christ's truth. 3 Juan
A personal letter commending hospitality and warning against arrogance in church leadership. Judas
A strong warning against false teachers and a passionate call to defend the faith and uphold the truth. Apocalipsis
Apocalyptic visions of God's ultimate victory, Christ's return, and the new heaven and earth.

Author's Biography

John Wesley

John Wesley was a Church of England cleric and Christian theologian. Wesley is largely credited, along with his brother Charles Wesley, as founding the Methodist movement which began when he took to open-air preaching in a similar manner to George Whitefield. In contrast to George Whitefield's Calvinism, Wesley embraced the Arminian doctrines that were dominant in the 18th-century Church of England. Methodism in both forms was a highly successful evangelical movement in the United Kingdom, which encouraged people to experience Jesus Christ personally.

Wesley's writing and preachings provided the seeds for both the modern Methodist movement and the Holiness movement, which encompass numerous denominations across the world. In addition, he refined Arminianism with a strong evangelical emphasis on the Reformed doctrine of justification by faith.

Wesley was a logical thinker and expressed himself clearly, concisely and forcefully in writing. His written sermons are characterised by spiritual earnestness and simplicity. They are doctrinal but not dogmatic. His Notes on the New Testament (1755) are enlightening. Both the Sermons (about 140) and the Notes are doctrinal standards. Wesley was a fluent, powerful and effective preacher. He usually preached spontaneously and briefly, though occasionally at great length.